Minister Backs Those Hit by Doux Collapse

FRANCE - The French agriculture minister Stéphane Le Foll met with members of the French poultry sector this week to discuss the problems caused by the financial difficulties of the leading poultry company Doux.

A week after setting up the cell to support the poultry industry, Stéphane Le Foll, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, met with the ministry advisors Georges-Pierre Malpel and André Nil to discover the latest situation over the livestock and the producers.

He had previously met with representatives of the company on 7 and 8 June.

He heard that the situation of the farmers who have been hit by the reorganisation following the bankruptcy of the company needs close attention because of the company's cash problems that are creating difficulties for them to buy food and power.

Stéphane Le Foll said: "I feel particularly for employees, who are experiencing a situation of uncertainty, and I welcome the responsibility shown by the employees, suppliers and especially farmers, who, with the support of the administrator and the state services have so far allowed the business to continue."

The Minister called on the prefects in the region and the department to keep a close watch on the economic situation following the bankruptcy.

He sent a procedural note to them to ensure efficient communication of the latest situation and to allow them to intervene where appropriate to heppp resolve the most sensitive local situations.

A detailed daily statement of the situation of farms, in terms of their economic health is to be carried out to ensure the best conditions for the farmers to carry on their business and to maintain the best possible situation for the animals during breeding.

Because of the very difficult situation where some operators have large debts, the minister of agriculture and food sent a letter to the Finance Minister and the President of the agriculture agency MSA to ask them permit requests for a postponement of tax deadlines and not to put pressure on the breeders weakened by the situation at Doux.

Stephane Le Foll said that he remains committed to a lasting solution to the current situation as it affects the company and the whole poultry industry of the various regions.